Community health workers (CHWs) in the Dominican Republic played a key role in reducing malaria cases in urban areas of Greater Santo Domingo. From 2019 to 2022, malaria cases dropped from 1,243 to just 6. CHWs identified and treated cases faster than health facilities, with most cases found through proactive household visits. Although COVID-19 disrupted their work, the network … [Read more...] about The role of a structured community health worker network in achieving malaria elimination goals in the Dominican Republic: An impact evaluation amid COVID-19 disruptions
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Optimizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Belize and Understanding its Unique Intermediary Position within the Health System: Perspective from the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Approach
This study assessed Belize’s national community health worker (CHW) program, which has been crucial in improving population health since its launch in 1982. Using a qualitative approach, the research found that while the program has benefited from strategic health system changes and WHO guidelines, challenges remain in areas like funding, medication availability, and … [Read more...] about Optimizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Belize and Understanding its Unique Intermediary Position within the Health System: Perspective from the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Approach
Embedding Care in Communities: Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Community Health Worker Training Initiative in Rural Haiti
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in addressing healthcare gaps in Southern Haiti, where provider shortages are prevalent. This study evaluates capracare's CHW Training program through surveys and focus groups. Results show significant improvement in CHWs' knowledge post-training. Qualitative analysis highlights enhanced skills, community benefits, and … [Read more...] about Embedding Care in Communities: Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Community Health Worker Training Initiative in Rural Haiti
Overview of the participation of community health workers in primary health care in 6 Latin American countries and a proposal for their integration into the health system: a qualitative study
This study explores the role of community health workers (CHWs) in six Latin American countries. It highlights their versatile contributions to primary healthcare but also identifies challenges in implementing WHO guidelines. While CHWs play a crucial role in primary healthcare, there are inconsistencies in policy implementation across countries. The study suggests classifying … [Read more...] about Overview of the participation of community health workers in primary health care in 6 Latin American countries and a proposal for their integration into the health system: a qualitative study
Hear my Voice: Understanding how community health workers in the Peruvian Amazon expanded their roles to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through Community-Based Participatory Action Research
The purpose of this study was to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the responsibilities of CHWs from indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon so policymakers can support indigenous health efforts. Through photovoice, four main themes that emerged: 1) the collapse of social infrastructure, 2) the community adaptations and struggles, 3) the use of medicinal … [Read more...] about Hear my Voice: Understanding how community health workers in the Peruvian Amazon expanded their roles to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through Community-Based Participatory Action Research